He did, however, allude to the fact that it shouldn’t be long before Adrian Gonzalez’s name appears on the Red Sox lineup sheet for the first time.

“He’s done so well I don’t think it’s going to be much of an issue getting ready for the season,” Francona said. “As he feels better and he ramps up his intensity and volume, he’ll get to a game when he’s ready.”

Gonzalez, who is recovering from November surgery on his right shoulder, is well ahead of schedule, and could potentially be back on a field within a week. He took taking live batting practice for the first time Sunday and hit three home runs on 25 pitches.

As far as a timetable is concerned, Francona said that’s entirely up to Gonzalez.

If he doesn’t feel comfortable facing major league talent right away, Francona said that Gonzalez can head down the street to the minor league complex and get some swings out of the spotlight before rejoining the team.

Or if he wants, he can jump back in with the major league team and try to catch up on the fly.

“If he gets in a game and his timing’s not quite down and he takes an O-fer,” Francona said, “we can live with that.”